Astra Rocket 3.3 - TROPICS-1. Will it explode again? [Live: 12.06.2022, 16:00 UTC]

almost 2 years ago (Edited)

Astra had a bumpy ride until they ironed out a few issues. Out of the first eight missions, only two were successful.

It will carry two out of six TROPICS (Time-Resolved Observations of Precipitation structure and storm Intensity with a Constellation of Smallsats) satellites to low-earth orbit.
TROPICS stands for "Time-Resolved Observations of Precipitation structure and storm Intensity with a Constellation of Smallsats". It will be a constellation of six 3U CubeSats. The satellites will measure temperature and moisture of tropical weather systems, in order to study how storms form and develop.

Astra is launching from Space Launch Complex 46, Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida.

Payload mass is 2 x 5,34kg.

Main selling points for Astra:

launch on short notice
from everywhere

Rocket, ground equidment and launch pad fits into two shipping cointainers. These can be deployed by ship, plane or truck.

How Astra is Building Lower-Cost Rockets | Factory Tour

Where to watch:

NASASpaceflight will be live streaming 45 minutes before launch: LIVE: Astra Launches Spaceflight Astra-1 Mission

Check your local time of launch at: www.timeanddate.com

List of Astra rocket launches: Wikipedia

Scott Manley: Why This Rocket Went Sideways Off The Launch Pad

Scott Manley: Astra's Secret Rocket Project Finally Reveals Itself

The Angry Astronaut: NEW CONTROVERSY!! Astra Space a pipedream? Or the next SpaceX?

Astra has had a string of unfortunate and spectacular failures in the beginning:

First attempt failed after an automatic abort was triggered because the vehicle started to oscillate: Astra Rocket 3.1 Destroyed After Losing Control
Second attempt failed because the fuel/oxidizer ratio on the second stage was off: Astra Space Rocket 3.2 launch
Third attempt failed due to an early loss of one of five engines: Why This Rocket Went Sideways Off The Launch Pad
Fourth attempt failed for 2 reasons: faulty wiring of the fairing release system, and second stage control systems spun the vehicle out of control Rocket Launch Doomed After Payload Fairing Won't Open

Useful links to stay up to date on launches:

Spaceflightnow.com: Launch Schedule

Everyday Astronaut: Prelaunch Previews

Space News:

NASA Spaceflight nasaspacefight.com